Texas Marksman Breaks Record Distance Shot With 3-Mile Hit On Target

A Texas man is making news around the country for taking a record-breaking shot at a target located three miles away and hitting it.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Bill Poor made the shot near Midland, Texas and broke a record only months old. The old record shot of 2.8 miles was shot by retired Navy SEAL Charles Melton in September who is planning on reclaiming his record in the future by taking a shot at over 3 miles.

Poor described his shot as something that took over three years to prepare for. Due to the distance, a shooter has to account for everything, including wind speed, the shape of the earth and temperature:

Poor used a custom-built rifle from a gunmaker that specializes in crafting firearms for extreme distances. Both he and Melton used the same base round: a .408 CheyTac, originally designed for snipers operating at long range. While it reportedly took Melton 38 shots to hit his target, it took Poor just eight. Poor had to account for variables that can alter a bullet's flight, including the shape of the earth. The earth curves nearly six feet over 3 miles, so he had to use an elevated stand to see his target. "We call it dope — how much elevation you have to put in your scope to be able to see that far," Poor said. "Getting a clear view is almost impossible." Temperatures in the mid-50s also complicated the shot. Because cold air is heavier, it causes a bullet to drop more than warm air would. To compensate, Poor aimed well above the horizon, adjusting his aim after each shot with the help of two spotters.

Poor told the Dallas Morning News that the flight time for the bullet was 14 seconds. Sadly, Poor's record-breaking shot may not officially be recognized by Guinness World Records because he used a scope on his rifle. The same rule will be applied to Melton's September shot. Scope or not, hitting a target three miles away is nothing short of impressive.